Advising Course Plan - Philosophy Major

A major in philosophy is designed to be maximally flexible. The major has few prerequisites. Students can take most courses anytime they are taught, although we strongly recommend that students take PHIL 101B before taking a 300- or 400-level class. The only courses students are required to take in a certain order are PHIL 399 and PHIL 499. Students should take PHIL 399 during the spring semester of their junior year and PHIL 499 the fall semester of their senior year. Students have also taken PHIL 399 and PHIL 499 simultaneously. Exceptions apply, as when the student is studying abroad.

Because of the major’s flexibility and because the major only requires 10 units, a significant number of our students opt to pursue a second major. Students pursuing a law degree have found this option particularly attractive. With careful planning, it is possible to receive a degree in philosophy while only taking one philosophy course most semesters. However, students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in philosophy should acquire more than 10 units within philosophy.

The following courses are offered every semester:

The following courses are offered every year:

Additionally, the following courses are regularly offered:

The following is a merely recommended four-year plan. Note that only PHIL 399 (Third Year, Spring Semester) and PHIL 499 (Fourth Year, Fall Semester) need to be taken at a specified time and in a specified order.

First Year
FallUnitsSpringUnits
FSEM 1001PHIL 104Q1
General Education Requirement1General Education Requirement1
General Education Requirement1General Education Requirement1
PHIL 101B1Elective or second major course1
 4 4
Second Year
FallUnitsSpringUnits
PHIL 250H or 260H1PHIL Elective1
General Education Requirement1PHIL 350V or 316V1
Elective or second major course1General Education Requirement (if needed)1
Elective or second major course1Elective or second major course1
 4 4
Third Year
FallUnitsSpringUnits
PHIL 351 or 3521PHIL 39911
PHIL Elective1Elective or second major course1
Junior Seminar (PHIL 315V counts as a JSEM but may be offered in the spring)1Elective or second major course1
Elective or second major course1Elective or second major course1
 4 4
Fourth Year
FallUnitsSpringUnits
PHIL 49921Elective or second major course1
Elective or second major course1Elective or second major course1
Elective or second major course1Elective or second major course1
Elective or second major course1Elective Requirement1
 4 4
Total Units 32
1

All philosophy majors should take this class during the spring of their junior year.

2

All philosophy majors should take this class during the fall of their senior year.